Spring is the perfect time to refresh your goals and update your IDP tool. Recently I attended the Creating and Owning Your Individual Development Plan workshop hosted by The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) and learned some great tips. Next month, they are having a follow-up workshop called, I Completed my IDP…Now What? If these workshops sound interesting you can check out more of their resources on the CIRTL website.
This workshop was very interactive and I was able to chat with others in different STEM fields. I learned that many of us share similar stories and that we have more in common than we think. This is one of the reasons why it is important to have a science community. It was nice hearing other scientists share their SMART goals and how they even struggle with their own IDPs. When you have a community and share your IDP you won’t feel alone and are more likely to achieve your goals.
My impact goal is to finding ways to intersect STEM, education and communication to support the next generation of scientists at a larger scale. I want to make STEM accessible to all, especially those who are underrepresented. Also, I want to broaden my network to include both scientists, communicators, educators and policy experts. When all of these different minds come together we create an idea incubator that achieves the goal of supporting the next generation of scientists.
Top Takeaways from Updating my IDP Tool and the Creating and Owning Your Individual Development Plan Workshop:
- Continue to make SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) Goals: Every day take time to look at your goals and be as detailed as possible. Make connections, collaborate and create flow charts to help you achieve your goals.
- Articulate what you want for your career: No one knows what you want to do more than you. Be confident about what you want and keep your values in mind. You should never have to compromise your values for your career. Be authentically you, be open and share your ideas.
How I Will Refresh for Spring:
- Revisit the Pomodoro Technique: If you are in need of a refresh and want to increase your productivity check out the Pomodoro Technique. In a busy world filled with distractions, the Pomodoro Technique is a game changer. By setting a 25-minute timer and taking breaks between tasks you will increase your productivity levels and reduce your stress levels. Most of the time we are stressed because we are burned out. MyTomatoes is a website that tracks your Pomodoro’s so you will never forget what you were working on.
- Professional Spring Cleaning: No matter what point you are in your career this is a good practice. Every couple of months or when you have a new position (whichever comes first) you should update your professional profile. This includes updating your CV, resume, elevator pitch, LinkedIn, network and social media if needed. While you are cleaning (if you are up to it); spruce up your professional wardrobe, steam your clothing or use this time to declutter.
What are you doing to refresh for the spring? Share below.
Mademoiselle Scientist 